‘What [the writers] have planned… it just feels new. It feels like an evolved show. [The past eight seasons] very much lived in the world that Rick began with. It was so informed by the pilot.

‘It just takes this quantum leap forward in the stories we’re telling.’

When pressed if this could allude to a time jump, Gimple says: ‘A time jump tease.. but it wouldn’t be exactly as we expect.’

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan (Picture: Gene Page/AMC)

Robert Kirkman’s comics take a two-year jump following the events of All Out War, beginning with Rick and co. living a relatively peaceful existence with all communities.

The show could see a similar jump, but it could seem odd following the revelation of Maggie, Jesus and Daryl wanting to go against Rick’s wishes and kill Negan. Could the trio really hold off their plan for an entire two years?

It’ll certainly be interesting to see what they’ve got up their sleeve to revive interest, but will it be enough for many fans dissatisfied with a two year-long arc? We’ll have to wait until later this year.